U.S., NEW ENGLAND: IAAP Provides a Network for the Administrative Niche

Noelle Southwick

New England Bureau Chief

Today's office professional does much more than keyboarding and filing. Over 4.2 million people are employed as administrative assistants and secretaries and that number is growing.

The International Association of Administrative Professionals is a not-for-profit association with approximately 40,000 members. The mission of IAAP is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals through education, community building and leadership development.

Why is networking important to an administrative assistant?
I asked Gail Freeman, President of the Greater Boston Chapter of IAAP this question. She told me that very often administrators work alone. With IAAP they have a team to turn to for advice and training. It is vital for a multitude of reasons to reach out to others for support.

The network reaches from the local people who attend chapter meetings, to the on-line blog contributors, to members around the world. Having that kind of support makes members feel more empowered in their jobs and in their lives.

Monthly chapter meetings
There are 600 chapters worldwide and 23 are here in New England. The newest chapter opened recently in the Framingham, MA area.

Local chapters host monthly meetings as an opportunity to connect with others. During the meeting there is time devoted to an open forum when attendants can ask questions to the group as a whole. Additionally attendants get to learn from relevant speakers.

Boston Chapter
Gail said she prides herself on finding speakers who will contribute to the group without being paid. She joked that that takes some networking in itself but that she is not shy about asking for what she wants. Being willing to ask is an important skill when it comes to growing an organization.

Gail pointed out that all the local chapters have valuable things to offer. She also said that the Boston chapter offers an opportunity to network with administrators who work at some of the larger and more well known corporations. This chapter attracts high profile administrators and senior level assistants with a unique view of the business world. For those looking to make connections at Boston businesses this is the chapter to join.

Support
The majority of administrative assistants do not get the career support they need from their employer. Attending regular meetings offers members the support they desire and often leads to friendships as well.

Gail told me that it is “support and encouragement that builds a network.” She wants to be sure members feel they belong.

When seeking ideas for a specific project, members can call on the support of peers for advice and direction to available resources. Having a strong support network can make an administrator a more valuable employee. Especially in difficult economic times any way to be more valuable to employers is important.

Education, around the year and around the clock
IAAP hosts an annual event in April. It is educational but it is also a celebration of the work administrative assistants do. It is a prime opportunity to connect with those who will support and empower.

Quarterly, day-long workshops cover topics in depth. For example March offers a workshop on Blending the Generations in the Workplace.

Some of the chapter meeting topics have included: identity theft, discrimination, tools for office organization, and negotiation skills.

I found an impressive list of upcoming webinars available on the IAAP website. An online library of articles to help build skills and answer questions can be accessed anytime.

The IAAP Community
Members are working in Fortune 500 Companies and thousands of mid and small sized businesses. This is an impressive list of places to have connections.

The web community is designed to integrate every level of IAAP into a robust online network. A calendar of events, discussion forums, industry trends and even technical support advice is available to online visitors.

The IAAP global network is useful in contacting members to get local information when executives are going to other cities and/or countries. Administrators can communicate with a worldwide network of peers through their website.

Leadership Development
The organization presents office professionals industry-recognized certification and up-to-date training to help keep a competitive edge.

Through their publications, members stay informed and up-to-date on the latest in office trends, products and information. IAAP supports secretaries in keeping pace with the need for changing skills.

Exposure to professionals outside their own company helps administrators expand interpersonal skills and improves their comfort level. The training and support builds confidence and teamwork abilities. Improved self-worth and competence empowers administrators to tackle bigger challenges.

Networking tips
Gail gave me some simple networking tips. She said, “talk to people.” She added it is important to learn people’s names and to introduce yourself effectively. You don’t grow if you don’t spread the word about what you do.

Gail said she uses many networking techniques to support the growth of IAAP. She invites people to be on their email list to learn about coming events. She invites people to attend chapter meetings, workshops and events. IAAP has joined the area Chamber of Commerce and Gail attends chamber events to promote the organization. Attending tradeshows to make contact with both administrative assistants and employers as an additional way to get the word out. IAAP also have the support of staffing firms and recruiters who tell candidates about their network.

If you want to have a successful career as an administrative professional IAAP may be the network for you.

Contact information:
Gail Freeman, President
Gail.freeman@bbh.com
www.greaterbostoniaao.org
www.iaap-hq.org
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U.S., NEW ENGLAND: IAAP Provides a Network for the Administrative Niche